Status
Available
Genres
Collection
Publication
Del Rey (1991), Edition: First British Edition; Tenth Printing
Description
Fantasy. Fiction. HTML: The Belgariad is an epic fantasy of immense scope, telling the tale of struggles between ancient Gods and mighty Kings, and of men in strange lands facing fated events, all bound by a prophecy that must be fulfilled. Ce'Nedra, Imperial Princess of Tolnedra, was confused. Everyone knows the tales of the Orb protecting the West from the evil God Torak are just silly legends. But here she is, forced to join a dangerous quest to recover that stolen Orb. No one believes in sorcery, but Garion's aunt & grandfather seem to be the fabled sorcerers Polgara & Belgarath, who would have to be thousands of years old. Even young Garion is learning to do sorcery. Garion, is just a farm boy, totally unsuitable for an Imperial Princess. Yet, for some reason she has the urge to teach him, brush back his tangled hair, & comfort him. Now he is going to a strange tower in the center of all he believes evil, to face some horrible, powerful magician, & she can't be there to watch over him. She may neve.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member EJAYS17
Magician’s Gambit contains pretty much everything that is both good and bad about The Belgariad and David Eddings writing as a whole.
I’ll start with the bad and to be honest that will be the longer list.
Garion and Co spend most of their time wandering around trying to get their hands on some
While I’m on Mandorallen; his accent slips throughout Magician’s Gambit. When the character was introduced in Queen of Sorcery he spoke an exaggerated form of ‘old English’, peppering his speech with thees and thous, either it got too hard or the author just forgot at times, because sometimes he does it other times he doesn’t.
You never worry about anyone important to the plot being killed off when reading Eddings, he simply will not do it, he won’t even let his major characters get scuffed up too badly. An example is fan favourite Prince ‘Silk’ Kheldar of Drasnia. He is captured and put in a prison made of natural rock, awaiting a pretty nasty execution. His prison is virtually impenetrable, the only way in is to go directly through the rock. How fortunate that the newest member of the team (the religious zealot Relg) can phase through rock and even take someone with him. Later in the book Garion finds himself in a spot of trouble with Brill (whose real name was Kordoch and he was some sort of ninjaesque assassin) and Silk comes to his rescue. Silk’s always been good with throwing knives and creeping up on people unawares, but apparently he’s also The Belgariad’s answer to Jackie Chan. All of this completely ignores the fact that by now, with his growing magical talent, Garion should be able to kill Brill/Kordoch before the assassin even gets close to him.
You can’t think too deeply when reading any of Eddings work, if you do you ask yourself why when the group contains two members with godlike power (Belgarath and Polgara) is any of what you’re reading necessary. They also meet two actual Gods in Magician’s Gambit who appear to be completely powerless to help them in any way shape or form.
I think a lot of people quite liked Belgarath’s sorcerer ‘brothers’. I have to admit I didn’t mind Beldin, he occasionally crosses the line from humourous into parody, but he’s rather amusing. The twins who speak for each other were absolutely cringe inducing, though.
Now the good. Unfortunately there’s not a lot. One is that large parts of this book were told from the point of view of the tiny half dryad Tolnedran princess; Ce’Nedra. Of all of Eddings’ creations Ce’Nedra would have to be my favourite, and I appreciated seeing things from her naïve, self centred, bratty perspective. Ce’Nedra really should have been the central character, she’s far more interesting and multi dimensional than the drippy farmboy Garion.
No one reads an Eddings for character development, it’s non existent for the most part, they're all walking cliches, but there was a little bit of it in Magician’s Gambit and from a most unlikely source. Durnik actually shows a ruthless streak if pushed. Up until that point I’d barely even noticed him. He’d only really been mentioned when they needed someone to chop firewood or get angry when Beldin threw a particularly offensive insult at Polgara.
There were a couple of interesting magical creations. The carnivorous horses; Hrulgin, were both nasty and tough, as was the ogrelike Algrak; Grul. Shame that Grul perished, because he was a more interesting villain than the stereotypical Ctuchik.
Side note: I was a little disappointed to find that the term ‘magician’ in Eddings’ world is an insulting way of saying ‘sorceror’, because the title of Magician’s Gambit is my favourite of the five books in the series.
I’ll keep going, but only because I’ve promised myself that I will.
I’ll start with the bad and to be honest that will be the longer list.
Garion and Co spend most of their time wandering around trying to get their hands on some
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magical artefact called the Orb of Aldur. Big Fat Fantasy authors seem to love aimless wandering through their worlds, fans don’t for the most part like it. Eddings breaks up the meandering with regular explosions of violence. Sometimes the fights add to the narrative, but mostly they seem to be there to try and hold the reader’s interest. A particularly pointless and ridiculous example featuring Mimbrate knight Mandorallen taking on a lion springs to mind immediately.While I’m on Mandorallen; his accent slips throughout Magician’s Gambit. When the character was introduced in Queen of Sorcery he spoke an exaggerated form of ‘old English’, peppering his speech with thees and thous, either it got too hard or the author just forgot at times, because sometimes he does it other times he doesn’t.
You never worry about anyone important to the plot being killed off when reading Eddings, he simply will not do it, he won’t even let his major characters get scuffed up too badly. An example is fan favourite Prince ‘Silk’ Kheldar of Drasnia. He is captured and put in a prison made of natural rock, awaiting a pretty nasty execution. His prison is virtually impenetrable, the only way in is to go directly through the rock. How fortunate that the newest member of the team (the religious zealot Relg) can phase through rock and even take someone with him. Later in the book Garion finds himself in a spot of trouble with Brill (whose real name was Kordoch and he was some sort of ninjaesque assassin) and Silk comes to his rescue. Silk’s always been good with throwing knives and creeping up on people unawares, but apparently he’s also The Belgariad’s answer to Jackie Chan. All of this completely ignores the fact that by now, with his growing magical talent, Garion should be able to kill Brill/Kordoch before the assassin even gets close to him.
You can’t think too deeply when reading any of Eddings work, if you do you ask yourself why when the group contains two members with godlike power (Belgarath and Polgara) is any of what you’re reading necessary. They also meet two actual Gods in Magician’s Gambit who appear to be completely powerless to help them in any way shape or form.
I think a lot of people quite liked Belgarath’s sorcerer ‘brothers’. I have to admit I didn’t mind Beldin, he occasionally crosses the line from humourous into parody, but he’s rather amusing. The twins who speak for each other were absolutely cringe inducing, though.
Now the good. Unfortunately there’s not a lot. One is that large parts of this book were told from the point of view of the tiny half dryad Tolnedran princess; Ce’Nedra. Of all of Eddings’ creations Ce’Nedra would have to be my favourite, and I appreciated seeing things from her naïve, self centred, bratty perspective. Ce’Nedra really should have been the central character, she’s far more interesting and multi dimensional than the drippy farmboy Garion.
No one reads an Eddings for character development, it’s non existent for the most part, they're all walking cliches, but there was a little bit of it in Magician’s Gambit and from a most unlikely source. Durnik actually shows a ruthless streak if pushed. Up until that point I’d barely even noticed him. He’d only really been mentioned when they needed someone to chop firewood or get angry when Beldin threw a particularly offensive insult at Polgara.
There were a couple of interesting magical creations. The carnivorous horses; Hrulgin, were both nasty and tough, as was the ogrelike Algrak; Grul. Shame that Grul perished, because he was a more interesting villain than the stereotypical Ctuchik.
Side note: I was a little disappointed to find that the term ‘magician’ in Eddings’ world is an insulting way of saying ‘sorceror’, because the title of Magician’s Gambit is my favourite of the five books in the series.
I’ll keep going, but only because I’ve promised myself that I will.
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LibraryThing member DVerdecia
This is the part of the series where young Garion learns the rules of Magic. His great Grandfather many times removed teaches him all about how to use Magic.
Awesome book.
Awesome book.
LibraryThing member nieva21
I truely loved this book the best out of all of the series so far and would have rated it five stars, if the ending had been a bit more clearer with the demise of the evil magician and the recovery of the orb. I felt like I wanted more information to be exchanged about the child before going on to
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book four. However, the defilement that brings to Chtuchik's death in his secret chamber, when he tries to unmake it, is truley powerful of how good triumphs over evil and all the ways of how the prophecy is ultimately protected by Belgarath at all costs are cleverly revealed to the reader. Show Less
LibraryThing member JechtShot
Garion, or should I say Belgarion, and company are now on the scent of the famed 'Orb of Aldur' and continue on their journey through Eddings' Belgariad universe. The new player of note to enter the band of prophecy is an Ulgo zealot known as Ralg. Ralg has the unique ability of being able to pass
The third book in the Belgariad focuses on Garion's growth as a sorcerer. He is reluctant to accept his new found abilities and tries to supress them, hide them, go back to being a regular boy. This is not possible. The world has greater things in store for our young hero and in this book he begins to understand that not only does he need to accept his fate, but embrace and grow in his power. On to book four, Castle of Wizardry.
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through solid stone, which proves incredibly useful in gaining entry into the dark city of Cthol Murgos. The book concludes with an epic magical battle between Belgarath and Ctuchik (discilpe of Torak) that will not disappoint.The third book in the Belgariad focuses on Garion's growth as a sorcerer. He is reluctant to accept his new found abilities and tries to supress them, hide them, go back to being a regular boy. This is not possible. The world has greater things in store for our young hero and in this book he begins to understand that not only does he need to accept his fate, but embrace and grow in his power. On to book four, Castle of Wizardry.
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LibraryThing member exlibrisbitsy
It’s always a little difficult to review a fantasy book that is smack dab in the middle of a series and Magician’s Gambit is no exception. Fortunately it is quite different from the two books that came before it. For one the standard plot arc of entering a new kingdom and having Garion be the
The character that saves the day is Silk, the prince of Drasnia, he is witty and sly and is officially dubbed the Guide of the group by the prophecy that binds them all together. His one line zingers, clever machinations and jokes were very entertaining to read about and he was in danger of stealing the show as he quite nearly outshone our beloved main characters.
The quest in this book proves to take an interesting turn as they are all headed to the Vale of Aldur, Belgarath’s and Polgara’s home. Along the way new countries are discovered that are again unlike any we have seen before, Maragor is a country now devoid of people as they have all been wiped out by the Tolnedrans years and years before. Now the god of those people weeps and mourns their loss and drives anyone mad who dares enter. They also discover Ulgoland, a country that entirely lives underground and worships the god UL. A new character is introduced here, the religious zealot Relg.
Relg is another great character if for no other reason that the stuff he spouts out about his strict religion, his rigid beliefs, and his struggles with his attempts to be pious and prudish while at the same time being a bit of a disgusting man proves to be hilarious religious commentary.
This third book is truly a twist from what has come before and has the adventure kick up another notch in the quest for the Orb with some very entertaining characters brought in along the way. Several major stand offs finally came to a head and ended with a truly stunning surprise that leaves you wondering what must yet be in store for Garion and his friends.
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only one observant enough to notice a coup or a nefarious character attempting to instigate war is not present. Instead the book opens with the story being told from the view-point of Ce’Nedra, the Tolnedran princess who ran away from her father only to find herself mixed up in Belgarath’s quest for the Orb. While both Garion and Ce’Nedra have come a long way since they met, they are still very much teenagers and spend most of this book squabbling in one way or another. It is on one hand cute but on the other quickly becomes mildly annoying.The character that saves the day is Silk, the prince of Drasnia, he is witty and sly and is officially dubbed the Guide of the group by the prophecy that binds them all together. His one line zingers, clever machinations and jokes were very entertaining to read about and he was in danger of stealing the show as he quite nearly outshone our beloved main characters.
The quest in this book proves to take an interesting turn as they are all headed to the Vale of Aldur, Belgarath’s and Polgara’s home. Along the way new countries are discovered that are again unlike any we have seen before, Maragor is a country now devoid of people as they have all been wiped out by the Tolnedrans years and years before. Now the god of those people weeps and mourns their loss and drives anyone mad who dares enter. They also discover Ulgoland, a country that entirely lives underground and worships the god UL. A new character is introduced here, the religious zealot Relg.
Relg is another great character if for no other reason that the stuff he spouts out about his strict religion, his rigid beliefs, and his struggles with his attempts to be pious and prudish while at the same time being a bit of a disgusting man proves to be hilarious religious commentary.
This third book is truly a twist from what has come before and has the adventure kick up another notch in the quest for the Orb with some very entertaining characters brought in along the way. Several major stand offs finally came to a head and ended with a truly stunning surprise that leaves you wondering what must yet be in store for Garion and his friends.
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LibraryThing member mpritchett
The series is gaining momentum with the third book. The second draws you in but this one delivers a nice climax as the questing group adds and loses characters in its efforts.
And as it reaches its climax here it also leaves you on a cliff waiting for the next book in the series to continue the
And as it reaches its climax here it also leaves you on a cliff waiting for the next book in the series to continue the
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story and get everyone out of the mess. Show Less
LibraryThing member TheLostEntwife
This is the first book of Edding's Belgariad series that has earned less than a 5 star rating from me. Don't get me wrong - I'm still enjoying the world, the setting, the progression .. but the addition of some characters (Relg is just weird, folks)and the darkness of the world as the progression
That said, let me talk about what I did like in the book - I enjoyed finally seeing Garion start to come into his own. I enjoyed the humor - laughed out loud in several places, and I enjoyed seeing the budding relationship happening between Garion and Ce'Nedra (who is one of my favorites).
But now let me talk about some other favorites of mine:
1. Durnik. I love the common, peasant, strong but tenderhearted character. You know - the ones that don't need special powers or abilities to show they are special? That's what Durnik is. Add in the conflict with his emotions for a certain beautiful lady and you have a well-rounded, incredibly likeable man.
2. Mandorallen. I have a feeling this is not a popular character to like - but honestly, his coping method with fear won me over. I adore this character for all his high-brow speech and noble theatrics. As much as I love Durnik for his simplicity, Mandorallen provides me with the perfect compliment in character. Some of my favorite scenes involve this knight, and I cannot wait to see how he will change in the upcoming books.
I read the first three books of the Belgariad in a single volume and it took me less than 24 hours to do so. That's how engrossing this story is. If you are a fantasy lover and, like me, have not read these books in the past I urge you to give them a shot. There is something in there for everyone.
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is happening really made it easier for me to put the book down and do other things less important, like play Bejeweled.That said, let me talk about what I did like in the book - I enjoyed finally seeing Garion start to come into his own. I enjoyed the humor - laughed out loud in several places, and I enjoyed seeing the budding relationship happening between Garion and Ce'Nedra (who is one of my favorites).
But now let me talk about some other favorites of mine:
1. Durnik. I love the common, peasant, strong but tenderhearted character. You know - the ones that don't need special powers or abilities to show they are special? That's what Durnik is. Add in the conflict with his emotions for a certain beautiful lady and you have a well-rounded, incredibly likeable man.
2. Mandorallen. I have a feeling this is not a popular character to like - but honestly, his coping method with fear won me over. I adore this character for all his high-brow speech and noble theatrics. As much as I love Durnik for his simplicity, Mandorallen provides me with the perfect compliment in character. Some of my favorite scenes involve this knight, and I cannot wait to see how he will change in the upcoming books.
I read the first three books of the Belgariad in a single volume and it took me less than 24 hours to do so. That's how engrossing this story is. If you are a fantasy lover and, like me, have not read these books in the past I urge you to give them a shot. There is something in there for everyone.
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LibraryThing member Narilka
Her Imperial Highness, Princess Ce'Nedra, jewel of the house Borune and flower of the Tolnedran Empire, was confused. Everyone knew the tale of the Orb of Aldur, a magical artifact that protected the West from the evil god Torak, was just a legend. After all, no one really believes in sorcery do
Two prophecies, made thousands of years ago are approaching and the moment is nigh when only one will hold true. Garion is only now beginning to understand the part that he will play in the future of the world. Ctuchik, the Grolim High Priest, has taken the Orb from Zedar. Before the party can go after him, Belgarath is summed to the Vale of Aldur by his master to receive instructions for their quest. The journey takes them through the haunted land of Maragor, where ghosts of the slain roam, on to the Veil and through the mountains of Ulgo. It is here that Ce'Nedra must be left behind to protect her life while the others continue on to retrieve the Orb. Since she must stay behind Ce'Nedra can't be there to watch over Garion. He might be killed!
Magician's Gambit is the third book of The Belgariad. The first portion of the story is told from Ce'Nedra's point of view. It was interesting to see Garion and the party from another view point. The best part of this comes from a conversation between Ce'Nedra and Mandorallen when they discuss the various social ranks of everyone in the party.
We pick up one new party member, Relg, a religious fanatic. At first he adds a discordant note to the party, constantly pointing out the sins of others and berating himself for sins he has supposedly committed. As the story gets going, he proves how valuable his unique skills are and, if not actually becomes likable, he at least starts to fit in better.
This is my favorite book in the series. Two of my favorite parts in the series both happen in this book: the birth of colt in the cave and the end battle. It is also the only book in the series that ends in a semi-cliff hanger. Even though I've read it so many times I always find this book hard to put down.
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they? And yet Garion's aunt and grandfather appear to be the sorcerers Polgara and Belgarath. Not only that, even Garion is beginning to do things that can only be called sorcery. But Garion is nothing more than a farm boy. Why does he fascinate her so?Two prophecies, made thousands of years ago are approaching and the moment is nigh when only one will hold true. Garion is only now beginning to understand the part that he will play in the future of the world. Ctuchik, the Grolim High Priest, has taken the Orb from Zedar. Before the party can go after him, Belgarath is summed to the Vale of Aldur by his master to receive instructions for their quest. The journey takes them through the haunted land of Maragor, where ghosts of the slain roam, on to the Veil and through the mountains of Ulgo. It is here that Ce'Nedra must be left behind to protect her life while the others continue on to retrieve the Orb. Since she must stay behind Ce'Nedra can't be there to watch over Garion. He might be killed!
Magician's Gambit is the third book of The Belgariad. The first portion of the story is told from Ce'Nedra's point of view. It was interesting to see Garion and the party from another view point. The best part of this comes from a conversation between Ce'Nedra and Mandorallen when they discuss the various social ranks of everyone in the party.
We pick up one new party member, Relg, a religious fanatic. At first he adds a discordant note to the party, constantly pointing out the sins of others and berating himself for sins he has supposedly committed. As the story gets going, he proves how valuable his unique skills are and, if not actually becomes likable, he at least starts to fit in better.
This is my favorite book in the series. Two of my favorite parts in the series both happen in this book: the birth of colt in the cave and the end battle. It is also the only book in the series that ends in a semi-cliff hanger. Even though I've read it so many times I always find this book hard to put down.
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LibraryThing member renrav
The story picks up a lot. The copy I was reading contains the first three books in the series and began with a letter from the author detailing how he realizes how simplistic the series is. A mighty quest with varied characters culminating in an epic battle. I'll finish the series at some point. I
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do enjoy the series but I would not give it more than three stars. Show Less
LibraryThing member wethewatched
The action ramps up in the third book of the Belgarion and this one might be my favorite so far. Loved all the monsters, and cool to see Garion learning more about sorcery! He even has to move a rock with his mind, Skywalker style. I'm not always into fantasy but this is a fun and accessible series.
LibraryThing member DinadansFriend
The promise of the earlier books seems to dissipate in this third volume of the Belgariad, when it becomes obvious that we'll have more adventures, but it'll be like a Wednesday night role-playing session. There'll be some interesting things happen, but we all have to quit by school-night bedtime,
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so it won't be very engrossing. Show Less
LibraryThing member 5hrdrive
Magician's Gambit 213pg- **** This is much more like it! Almost makes reading the first two books worthwhile. The environments are much more compelling, the danger more real. It was very satisfying to finally piece together (for the most part) what the prophecies and the whole struggle was all
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about. If you make it this far you won't be disappointed. Show Less
LibraryThing member Zommbie1
I like the introduction of the second main narrative character. Although I can more readily identify with Garion than with Ce'Nedra I find it refreshing to hear another thought pattern. Although I am older now than when I first read these books I can remember how important Ce'Nedra's views on what
The book continues to mix humour with the serious. The characters are further developed (although some characters remain very one dimensional) and the plot thickens.
I enjoy this book (and the series as a whole) for the pure escapeism they offer. None of the books are difficult to read. The plot is intricate but not difficult to follow. The lands depicted throughout the story bear striking resemblances to countries in our world(and the stereotypes connected with them). Me and my friends would spend time trying to deduce which countries or cultures from our lives were portrayed in the books.
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she saw was. She was very different from me but at the same time many of the feelings she exhibited were feelings I had (and still have).The book continues to mix humour with the serious. The characters are further developed (although some characters remain very one dimensional) and the plot thickens.
I enjoy this book (and the series as a whole) for the pure escapeism they offer. None of the books are difficult to read. The plot is intricate but not difficult to follow. The lands depicted throughout the story bear striking resemblances to countries in our world(and the stereotypes connected with them). Me and my friends would spend time trying to deduce which countries or cultures from our lives were portrayed in the books.
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LibraryThing member Lukerik
This is much better than the 2nd instalment which was marred by being a boredom induction device. Finally things start to happen! Lovely to have an old pair of slippers on again.
LibraryThing member Karlstar
More interesting characters and challenges as they wander the world trying to stop the evil prophecy. Definitely worth reading.
LibraryThing member JohnFair
In this, the third part of the Belgariad, the party are back on the trail of the Orb and Polgara's campaign to let Garion and Ce'Nedra get to know each other continues and we see more of Eddings' world and the rather stereotypical characters inhabiting it.
LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
And the quest continues and more characters join the merry band and still a smide of mild racism and sexism rears it's head, still it's the one where "does bouncing count?" appears, which earns it some extra kudos. I'm still smiling about it later.
It's seminal, many authors owe much to this series,
It's seminal, many authors owe much to this series,
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even if it is flawed, and somewhat dated, it's still fun, it ranks like a popcorn read, not a deep read. Show Less
LibraryThing member ConalO
Listening to a classic fantasy story that I head read multiple times was certainly an interesting experience. It took me some time to get used to the pronunciations used but narrator soon captured me in this world again and I might even have enjoyed this more than all the times I have read this
5 Stars for a great listening experience.
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one.5 Stars for a great listening experience.
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LibraryThing member hskey
This is a tough one to review; I'm still really enjoying it, as the quality of writing is strong and the descriptions easily put me into the world. The problem is that the plot doesn't really move all that much in this one. I think Relg is a fantastic, unique character and I loved him joining the
That being said, all the characters in the core group are a blast and it makes me want to be a part of their not-so-merry band. The World-Building isn't exactly what I'd call polished, but it gets the job done. This one is either a high 3.5 or a low 4, I'll err on the side of 4.
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group but aside from that, there wasn't much to it except the last few chapters (which were pretty cool from a Fantasy standpoint). It's all a bit anti-climactic, though, and since this is a 5 book series, the "end" of the 3rd book hardly feels like the end of a book and more the end of a chapter. Weird. That being said, all the characters in the core group are a blast and it makes me want to be a part of their not-so-merry band. The World-Building isn't exactly what I'd call polished, but it gets the job done. This one is either a high 3.5 or a low 4, I'll err on the side of 4.
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LibraryThing member Ron18
I'm really enjoying the series. There's a set of characters that you really grow to like, and a whole chapter can go by where you only get one comment or mention from one of them and you still feel like its a well-oiled machine. Not a lot happens to advance the plot in this installment, but we get
As part of my daughter's bedtime ritual, she reads with my wife for a while - then I read whatever novel I'm into aloud in her room as she falls asleep. So, she gets only parts - maybe 50% - of the book, in 30 minute increments - - she was still able to follow this story, and get the gist of who everyone is, and what they're up to - even when missing chapters. I think that speaks well of the storytelling, and the classic "journey of a team of heroes" motif.
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great character backgrounds, evolutions, and a unique addition in the form of Relg. Relg is definitely the best thing to happen to Magician's Gambit - he strains archetypes, and has a critical contribution to make. That his motivation arises from being chewed out by his God, is seriously classic and fun to explore as well.As part of my daughter's bedtime ritual, she reads with my wife for a while - then I read whatever novel I'm into aloud in her room as she falls asleep. So, she gets only parts - maybe 50% - of the book, in 30 minute increments - - she was still able to follow this story, and get the gist of who everyone is, and what they're up to - even when missing chapters. I think that speaks well of the storytelling, and the classic "journey of a team of heroes" motif.
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LibraryThing member Kristelh
The third book in this series. The quest continues and our young man is getting older and learning more about his family and his purpose. I read a few other reviews and this brief review fits. And while it may seem like not much happening, it still was good.
LibraryThing member SirCrash
The story is nothing new: boy on quest to find himself while fighting big evil. However, the authentic feel of the characters and humor they bring to the table bring this 'high fantasy' trope down to earth. Very enjoyable read.
LibraryThing member SweetKokoro
I really don’t like Ce’Nedra, this girl gets in my ever loving nerves.
This book actually dealt more with Garion coming into his magic which actually made this volume more entertaining this time around. Aunt Pol and Wolf are actually taking the time to explain to him how his magic works, and
Once again though it just feels like there is too much going on. It’s difficult to get a grasp on what is important and what isn’t and it just feels overloaded. There is so many places and so many races and people, and someone them you only spend a few pages with, I always end up thinking was it really necessary for all of that.
We got another new character in the group and I don’t care for him. Although I did love Garion telling him to just not look at women when he feels he can’t control himself because they make him want to “sin” I was glad Garion put him in place and was like “dude that’s your problem and you can avoid it by just not looking at them, it ain’t their fault” my boy Garion was not having it haha. But there was also the double standard reactions of everyone thinking Ce’Nedra was weird and crazy for talking and understanding the trees but everyone is on board with Hettar speaking and understanding horses >_>
This volume did feel like it ended on a high important note the last few chapters were crazy. I will say each book is great at building the dramatics for the end of the book, which can be frustrating because you have to wad through the entire book to get to it, it’s not a good tactic in my opinion, I was just lucky that this volume was for the most part entertaining, and it does make me want to pick up the next one so I will continue.
This book actually dealt more with Garion coming into his magic which actually made this volume more entertaining this time around. Aunt Pol and Wolf are actually taking the time to explain to him how his magic works, and
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what the consequences could be, instead of just getting mad at him when he does something. There still is a few moments when they try to keep him in the dark, which is frustrating, how do you expect a kid to learn anything if you don’t freakin explain it, but then get mad when he accidentally does something, this is an on going theme in these books and it drives me insane.Once again though it just feels like there is too much going on. It’s difficult to get a grasp on what is important and what isn’t and it just feels overloaded. There is so many places and so many races and people, and someone them you only spend a few pages with, I always end up thinking was it really necessary for all of that.
We got another new character in the group and I don’t care for him. Although I did love Garion telling him to just not look at women when he feels he can’t control himself because they make him want to “sin” I was glad Garion put him in place and was like “dude that’s your problem and you can avoid it by just not looking at them, it ain’t their fault” my boy Garion was not having it haha. But there was also the double standard reactions of everyone thinking Ce’Nedra was weird and crazy for talking and understanding the trees but everyone is on board with Hettar speaking and understanding horses >_>
This volume did feel like it ended on a high important note the last few chapters were crazy. I will say each book is great at building the dramatics for the end of the book, which can be frustrating because you have to wad through the entire book to get to it, it’s not a good tactic in my opinion, I was just lucky that this volume was for the most part entertaining, and it does make me want to pick up the next one so I will continue.
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LibraryThing member jamestomasino
This was the weakest of the Belgariad books so far. Most of the book seemed like a rambling Dungeons and Dragons game filled with random encounters and new, made-up monsters described on the spot and forgotten about just as quickly. There was a smattering of character development, the introduction
I'm not really sure why the book was titled Magician's Gambit. There wasn't much of a gambit at all. Perhaps David Eddings should have named this book, "A Chorus Line of Gods and Random Monsters." At least then I'd know what I was going to run into.
The series still has life in it, though, and I'll press on. Here's to hoping book 4 is better than book 3.
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of a few new party members, and a short but satisfying showdown. I'm not really sure why the book was titled Magician's Gambit. There wasn't much of a gambit at all. Perhaps David Eddings should have named this book, "A Chorus Line of Gods and Random Monsters." At least then I'd know what I was going to run into.
The series still has life in it, though, and I'll press on. Here's to hoping book 4 is better than book 3.
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LibraryThing member humouress
{Third of 5 in the Belgariad; fantasy, quest, adventure, epic fantasy, high fantasy}(1984)
I'm really enjoying this re-read. This was one of the first fantasy series I read and I'm having a lot of fun revisiting it. Fair warning, this is the third book of an ongoing quest and there may be spoilers
Garion, an ordinary farm boy from Sendaria, is travelling on a quest with his aunt Pol, Mister Wolf - an old disreputable-looking peddler (also known as the sorcerer Belgarath), and their friends Durnik - a smith from the same farm, Silk - a Drasnian merchant, and Barak - a huge Cherek warrior. They are tracking an object that has been stolen by a disciple of Torak, the maimed god of the Murgos; an object which has until now assured the safety of the countries of the west and discouraged invasion by Torak's hordes. And, as they travel, they pick up more companions from different countries so that Belgarath can feel that he's covered the eventualities mentioned in an obscure version of the Prophecy which they happen to be fulfilling. However, their foes are following an opposing Prophecy, which they are equally determined to fulfil.
Belgarath's group continue to cross the continent in their race to prevent the object reaching the east and being used to wake the slumbering Torak in this third book of the quest. Their journey takes some unexpected twists as they travel into more regions and countries of the west and they gain (and lose) more companions on the way, all necessary to the prophecy they are following.
This one feels like things are getting a bit more serious as Garion comes into his powers and the stakes climb, though the banter still continues. The teenagers of the group start to grow up and act a bit more responsibly (well, a bit):
Over the months since she had joined them, he had seen her attitude toward him change until they had shared a rather specialised kind of friendship. He liked her: she liked him. Everything had been fine up to that point. Why couldn't she just leave it alone? Garion surmised that it probably had something to do with the inner workings of the female mind. As soon as a friendship passed a certain point - some obscure and secret boundary - a woman quite automatically became overwhelmed by a raging compulsion to complicate things.
although Garion still struggles with what he can do with his unexpected (and unwanted) sorcery.
Despite the summery image on the original (Corgi UK) cover, it is winter and the group spends a lot of time being cold.
The wind tore at them as they rode, and the driving sleet half-blinded them. Garion moved confidently, however. For some reason every rock about them seemed absolutely familiar, though he could not have said why. He rode just fast enough to stay in front of the others. He knew they would ask questions, and he didn’t have any answers. They rounded a shoulder of the peak and rode out onto a broad rock ledge. The ledge curved along the mountainside, disappearing in the swirling sleet ahead.
‘Where art thou taking us, lad?’ Mandorallen shouted to him.
‘It’s not much farther,’ Garion yelled back over his shoulder.
The ledge narrowed as it curved around the looming granite face of the mountain. Where it bent around a jutting cornice, it was hardly more than a footpath. Garion dismounted and led his horse around the cornice. The wind blasted directly into his face as he stepped around the granite outcrop, and he had to put his hand in front of his face to keep the sleet from blinding him. Walking that way, he did not see the door until it was almost within reach of his hands.
The door in the face of the rock was made of iron, black and pitted with rust and age. It was broader than the gate at Faldor’s farm, and the upper edge of it was lost in the swirling sleet.
The characterisation is very clear; each person has their own quirks and you never confuse any of the ensemble cast. The addition of new members and the introduction in person of some of the gods of this universe show us that, though Belgarath and co. are intent on fulfilling their prophecy to make it come out in favour of Good, there are other important events happening in this world.
The chess and magic theme of the book titles carries on.
‘I thought Ctuchik was a sorcerer,' Garion said, puzzled. ‘Why do you keep calling him a magician?'
‘It‘s a term of contempt,' Belgarath replied. ‘It‘s considered a deadly insult in our particular society.'
(Ctuchik being the magician in question attempting the gambit.) This book does end on a bit of a cliff-hanger (almost literally); the group have a major breakthrough but we leave them in the midst of danger.
I'm enjoying re-reading this series, which was one of the first books to introduce me to a life-long love of fantasy. I initially borrowed them from the library to re-read in the hopes that I would still be able to find and buy books with the original Corgi UK covers by Geoff Taylor, which I love, but they've been reissued with new covers.
(March 2022)
4.5 stars
I'm really enjoying this re-read. This was one of the first fantasy series I read and I'm having a lot of fun revisiting it. Fair warning, this is the third book of an ongoing quest and there may be spoilers
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for the first two books ahead (although I'll try and avoid them).Garion, an ordinary farm boy from Sendaria, is travelling on a quest with his aunt Pol, Mister Wolf - an old disreputable-looking peddler (also known as the sorcerer Belgarath), and their friends Durnik - a smith from the same farm, Silk - a Drasnian merchant, and Barak - a huge Cherek warrior. They are tracking an object that has been stolen by a disciple of Torak, the maimed god of the Murgos; an object which has until now assured the safety of the countries of the west and discouraged invasion by Torak's hordes. And, as they travel, they pick up more companions from different countries so that Belgarath can feel that he's covered the eventualities mentioned in an obscure version of the Prophecy which they happen to be fulfilling. However, their foes are following an opposing Prophecy, which they are equally determined to fulfil.
Belgarath's group continue to cross the continent in their race to prevent the object reaching the east and being used to wake the slumbering Torak in this third book of the quest. Their journey takes some unexpected twists as they travel into more regions and countries of the west and they gain (and lose) more companions on the way, all necessary to the prophecy they are following.
This one feels like things are getting a bit more serious as Garion comes into his powers and the stakes climb, though the banter still continues. The teenagers of the group start to grow up and act a bit more responsibly (well, a bit):
Over the months since she had joined them, he had seen her attitude toward him change until they had shared a rather specialised kind of friendship. He liked her: she liked him. Everything had been fine up to that point. Why couldn't she just leave it alone? Garion surmised that it probably had something to do with the inner workings of the female mind. As soon as a friendship passed a certain point - some obscure and secret boundary - a woman quite automatically became overwhelmed by a raging compulsion to complicate things.
although Garion still struggles with what he can do with his unexpected (and unwanted) sorcery.
Despite the summery image on the original (Corgi UK) cover, it is winter and the group spends a lot of time being cold.
The wind tore at them as they rode, and the driving sleet half-blinded them. Garion moved confidently, however. For some reason every rock about them seemed absolutely familiar, though he could not have said why. He rode just fast enough to stay in front of the others. He knew they would ask questions, and he didn’t have any answers. They rounded a shoulder of the peak and rode out onto a broad rock ledge. The ledge curved along the mountainside, disappearing in the swirling sleet ahead.
‘Where art thou taking us, lad?’ Mandorallen shouted to him.
‘It’s not much farther,’ Garion yelled back over his shoulder.
The ledge narrowed as it curved around the looming granite face of the mountain. Where it bent around a jutting cornice, it was hardly more than a footpath. Garion dismounted and led his horse around the cornice. The wind blasted directly into his face as he stepped around the granite outcrop, and he had to put his hand in front of his face to keep the sleet from blinding him. Walking that way, he did not see the door until it was almost within reach of his hands.
The door in the face of the rock was made of iron, black and pitted with rust and age. It was broader than the gate at Faldor’s farm, and the upper edge of it was lost in the swirling sleet.
The characterisation is very clear; each person has their own quirks and you never confuse any of the ensemble cast. The addition of new members and the introduction in person of some of the gods of this universe show us that, though Belgarath and co. are intent on fulfilling their prophecy to make it come out in favour of Good, there are other important events happening in this world.
The chess and magic theme of the book titles carries on.
‘I thought Ctuchik was a sorcerer,' Garion said, puzzled. ‘Why do you keep calling him a magician?'
‘It‘s a term of contempt,' Belgarath replied. ‘It‘s considered a deadly insult in our particular society.'
(Ctuchik being the magician in question attempting the gambit.) This book does end on a bit of a cliff-hanger (almost literally); the group have a major breakthrough but we leave them in the midst of danger.
I'm enjoying re-reading this series, which was one of the first books to introduce me to a life-long love of fantasy. I initially borrowed them from the library to re-read in the hopes that I would still be able to find and buy books with the original Corgi UK covers by Geoff Taylor, which I love, but they've been reissued with new covers.
(March 2022)
4.5 stars
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Awards
Locus Award (Nominee — Fantasy Novel — 1984)
Original publication date
1983-06
ISBN
0345335457 / 9780345335456